Life in the Valleys

 

Mining has been one of the great Welsh industries for many years along with the iron and steel trades.

 

During the industrial revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries, the valleys of South Wales became the iron and steel capital of the world. The small villages that grew up around the pits and steel works developed their own special character. When people speak of life in the valleys they are usually thinking of a particular Welsh way of life where families stay very close together and villagers are very proud of their traditions. In particular the valleys are famous for producing male voice choirs, and rugby-players.

 

The Rhymney and the Rhondda are two of the best-known South Wales valleys. Standing high on the hillsides, you can look down and see the lines of terraced houses on the riverbanks. Some pits are now open to the public so that visitors can see for themselves just what the life of a miner is like.

 

The Welsh national game

 

Rugby Union is the national game of Wales, and during the 1970s the Welsh team was thought to be the best in the world. The rules of the game are rather complicated but mainly involve the carrying of an egg-shaped ball over your opponents' line and pressing it firmly on the ground to score a try. A team consists of fifteen players, eight of whom are usually much bigger and heavier than the rest. Their job is to win the ball so that the three-quarters can run forward over the line, trying to avoid the tackles of the opposing team. Often the heavier forwards can be seen pushing together in a scrum, trying to kick the ball backwards. Although the game seems to be similar to American football, the players are not allowed to throw the ball forward. Other points can be won by kicking the ball between the special 'H'-shaped goal-posts.

 

When the Welsh side are playing at home at Cardiff Arms Park their supporters often try to encourage them to play better by singing the Welsh National anthem, Land of My Fathers. The sound of thousands of Welsh voices singing this famous song usually helps the Welsh side to score another try to win the game. Naturally they are especially pleased when this is against the English!

 

Susan Sheerin, Jonathan Seath, Gillian White: Spotlight on Britain; Oxford University Press, 1985, page 93